Tom Swift's Space Kite

thingiverse

Tom Swift's space kite is the prototype 2-person dome-shaped version. It harnesses cosmic radiation as its power source by launching itself above the atmosphere with a rocket, where the intense radiation generates thrust. The design of the space kite was remarkably straightforward. Inside, the pilot and copilot sat at a control board in front of a plain transparent plastic dome that enclosed them. Behind their seats, flat "screen layers" from Tom's cosmic reactor divided the dome into sections. This device converts cosmic radiation into motive power. A cone protruded from the center of the reactor like a stubby comet's tail - it was to be the directional-aiming cone of the gravitex.